Experiences in Caregiving

This podcast is in partnership with the San Diego/Imperial County chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and is a place where everyday people can speak on their experiences, their struggles, and the everyday highs and lows that come with their family member’s Alzheimer’s journey. The goal of this podcast is to create a space of comradery, connecting listeners with this support group and hopefully encouraging people to ask questions, give advice, and share their own stories.

Preparing for the More Advanced Phases of the Caregiving Journey 09/04/2024

Preparing for the More Advanced Phases of the Caregiving Journey In this episode we discuss how caregivers can ‘prepare themselves’ for the more advanced phases of their caregiving journey, how to communicate next steps with family and support systems, and how to take care of yourself throughout this process. We also discuss how to make talking about next steps and “the end” more comfortable and less taboo. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/32897417

Exercise, Movement & Caregiving 03/25/2024

Exercise, Movement & Caregiving In this episode, we discuss the importance of exercise and movement for our loved ones. We explore how to motivate them to exercise, various types of activities and exercises to try, and equally important, the significance of movement and exercise for the caregivers themselves. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/30538868

Having the Difficult Discussions about Caregiving 10/24/2023

Having the Difficult Discussions about Caregiving This month we discuss how we approach the difficult discussions of caregiving (i.e. Power of Attorney (POA) considerations, live-saving measures, care facility, in-home care etc) with our elderly loved ones, our families, and others on our care team. Sometimes these conversations are meant with anger, sadness, suspicion, or an outright refusal to have the discussion all together. We discuss ways to break through and put a care plan in place to hopefully avoid chaos later. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/28410038

How to be an Ally 08/21/2023

How to be an Ally In this episode we discuss the complex nature of relationships between caregivers and those around them who may or may not also be grieving. We discuss communication styles, how best to support a caregiver, and how caregivers can compensate when their allies can’t or won’t support them. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/27811704

The Impact of Caregiving on the Black Community - Part 2 07/18/2023

The Impact of Caregiving on the Black Community - Part 2 With the overwhelming response to our “” episode, we’ve come back with a part 2 to further discuss the challenges of caregiving in the African American/Black community, the racial disparities in care for loved ones, support for caregivers, and access to resources. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/27495186

Special Episode - The Longest Day 2023 06/20/2023

Special Episode - The Longest Day 2023 In our newest episode we are celebrating Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month so we are talking all things brain health, the Alzheimer’s Association’s “The Longest Day” fundraising initiatives, and how “The Longest Day” impacts our caregiving community. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/27209094

Brain Health & The Frustration of Getting a Diagnosis 05/19/2023

Brain Health & The Frustration of Getting a Diagnosis This month we discuss the upcoming “era of treatment” in relation to brain health and the frustration caregivers feel when trying to get a diagnosis, in particular the correct diagnosis, so that they can make plans and get out in front of dementia with treatments, medications, etc. We also discuss ways caregivers can approach primary doctors and neurologists in hopes of getting heard and getting the info they need. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/26890401

The Impact of Caregiving on the Black Community - Part 1 03/21/2023

The Impact of Caregiving on the Black Community - Part 1 This month we are discussing the impact of caregiving on the African American/Black community, the racial disparities in care for loved ones, support for caregivers, and access to resources. In addition, we will discuss the unique challenges the Black community is navigating and potential ways to overcome them. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit Related Links: Jessica Guthrie: @CareerCaregivingCollide Andrea Krystal: @itsandreakrystal | Website: Ty Lewis: and @iamgertrude | Website: Jacquelyn Revere: and @momofmymom | Website: /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/26296734

All About Support Groups 01/24/2023

All About Support Groups In this episode we’re talking about why caregivers need support groups, their benefits, what made us finally say yes to this type of support, and how to overcome some of the obstacles to support. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/25715556

Holiday Time Caregiving 12/20/2022

Holiday Time Caregiving This month we tackle the holiday time blues, mainly how to handle our grief and how to set boundaries and expectations with family and friends during the holidays. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/25386987

Resources for Caregivers 11/15/2022

Resources for Caregivers In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, we are bringing awareness to resources in our caregiving community. In this episode we talk about three organizations / projects / communities that are doing amazing work to help caregivers on their journeys. We discuss what resources they provide and how our listeners can access these much needed resources. A lot of our feedback from listeners is that they didn’t even know our resource and others existed so we will continue to highlight organizations, projects, and communities that are doing great work in this space. Cheers to all the caregivers out there! For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit Links: /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/25026384

Lewy Body Dementia 10/20/2022

Lewy Body Dementia October is Lewy Body Dementia Awareness month so we are talking all things Lewy Body - what it is, how it differs from other more common forms of dementia, how caregivers approach Lewy Body in light of those differences, and potential resources and support for caregivers struggling with how to manage Lewy Body. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/24743844

New Relationships & Moving On While Caregiving 09/20/2022

New Relationships & Moving On While Caregiving In this episode we discuss the somewhat taboo topic of caregivers who decide to go into a new relationship while caring for their spouse. We work our way through this delicate subject by exploring the potential feelings that a caregiver goes through. We also explore how these feelings can affect their families and society as a whole. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/24437709

Bridging the Gap between Caregiving & Research 08/23/2022

Bridging the Gap between Caregiving & Research In this month's episode we are discussing the potential overlaps between caregiving and science/research, ways that caregivers can utilize research/scientific advancements now or in the recent future to help them on their caregiving journey, and the major takeaways from this year's Alzheimer's Association's International Conference which happened earlier this month. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/24145254

Complicated Relationships and Caregiving 07/15/2022

Complicated Relationships and Caregiving In this episode we discuss the intricacies of caregiving for a person or loved one who we have a complicated relationship with, whether that be in the past or currently. We explore how we as caregivers make our way through this complicated space to get to a place of acceptance, maybe even forgiveness, but at the very least, a place of self love. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit . We’d love to hear from you! /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/23760125

Special Episode: The Longest Day - 2022 06/21/2022

Special Episode: The Longest Day - 2022 June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month so we are talking all things brain health, the Alzheimer’s Association’s “The Longest Day” fundraising initiatives, and “The Longest Day” impacts our caregiving community. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit . We’d love to hear from you! /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/23501222

How to Manage Impatience and Anger Associated with Caregiving for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s 05/25/2022

How to Manage Impatience and Anger Associated with Caregiving for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s In this episode we discuss the challenges that can sometimes lead to feeling impatient, angry and frustrated. This can spark from feeling a lack of control over the situation or the loved one, being overwhelmed, or just the weight of the grief. We discuss these challenges and ways to potentially manage them. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/23230124

Preparing for End of Life Care 04/19/2022

Preparing for End of Life Care In this month’s episode we discuss something that no one is ever really ready for - how to plan end of life care for your loved one. We look at the logistics as well as the emotional journey caregivers go through when making these incredibly delicate, uncomfortable, but necessary decisions. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/22835393

How to Navigate Sibling Relationships while Caregiving 03/22/2022

How to Navigate Sibling Relationships while Caregiving In this episode we discuss how navigating a sibling’s role within the caregiver journey can be difficult and complex due to the issues with grief, family dynamics, logistical and geographical complications, denial, and stress. We try to tackle the topic from a compassionate place, while also getting very real about the struggles some caregivers face in lieu of sibling support. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/22531088

How to Choose a Care Facility - Part 2 02/22/2022

How to Choose a Care Facility - Part 2 In this episode we continue our discussion on choosing a care facility with a focus on on how to maintain a level of care that you as a caregiver deem necessary now that your loved one is in a care facility. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit . We’d love to hear from you! /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/22220966

How to Choose a Care Facility - Part 1 01/21/2022

How to Choose a Care Facility - Part 1 This month we are discussing the process of choosing a care facility for your loved one. We discuss the emotional conversations that we as caregivers have with ourselves and with our loved ones about coming to terms with the need or desire to move our loved one into a facility. We also discuss the logistical aspects of choosing the right facility that meets your loved one’s needs. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit . We’d love to hear from you! /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/21844508

Music and Caregiving 12/17/2021

Music and Caregiving This month we are discussing the emotional and behavioral benefits that music brings to those suffering from a cognitive impairment. We also highlight the power and magic that music has as a tool for caregivers to use with their loved one and also how caregivers can utilize music to process their own grief as well. /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/21526238

Self-care 11/17/2021

Self-care This month we celebrate National Caregiver’s Month so we are discussing having compassion for ourselves and practicing self-care. We also discuss how important it is to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being as a caregiver to avoid burnout and to better help caregivers support their loved ones. /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/21197738

Nutrition & Managing Meals 10/18/2021

Nutrition & Managing Meals In this episode we discuss how regular and nutritious meals become more of a challenge for people living with a cognitive impairment. We talk about how we as caregivers manage this shift as well as ideas on how to create more agency as a caregiver so that your loved one gets the care and nutrition they need and deserve. /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/20855141

Caregiving as an Avenue for Helping Others 09/21/2021

Caregiving as an Avenue for Helping Others In this episode we discuss how caring for our loved ones has led some caregivers to helping others in similar situations (whether it be as a career or volunteering). We talk about what inspires these caregivers to do this type of work and ways we can utilize this work as an outlet for our grief. /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/20553089

The Effect of Caregiving on Personal Relationships 08/16/2021

The Effect of Caregiving on Personal Relationships In this episode we discuss the profound changes our personal relationships go through (spouses, partners, friendships, etc) as a result of being a caregiver. We look at how caregiver’s perspectives on their relationships, their priorities, and how they see the world have shifted and ways that our loved ones can be allies on this journey. /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/20158010

Tackling Personal Hygiene as Caregivers 07/20/2021

Tackling Personal Hygiene as Caregivers In this episode we discuss the puzzling and sometimes upsetting aspects of personal hygiene as dementia symptoms progress. We look at the reasons why those with a cognitive impairment struggle with their personal hygiene and tips for helping our loved ones take care of themselves. /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/19871915

Special Episode: The Longest Day - 2021 06/14/2021

Special Episode: The Longest Day - 2021 On June 20th, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. In this episode we discuss what The Longest Day means to those who suffer from the disease and those who are taking care of someone with the disease. We also discuss the impact these events have had on the Alzheimer’s community and ways to engage friends and family in The Longest Day. For more information about episodes, links to resources, and to give us your thoughts and ideas for new topics, visit . We’d love to hear from you! /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/19472054

The Mental Anguish of Caregiving 05/20/2021

The Mental Anguish of Caregiving In this episode we discuss the emotional and mental toll the caregiving experience can take on us, examine why we may feel this way, explore ways to cope, maintain perspective, all while taking care of ourselves. /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/19178960

Caregiving for Spouses 04/20/2021

Caregiving for Spouses In this episode we discuss what it means to be a caregiver for a spouse, the major obstacles and decisions that come along the journey, and how to maintain perspective and a meaningful spousal relationship despite any cognitive impairment. /episode/index/show/experiencesincaregiving/id/18796538

Experiences in Caregiving

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